Learn more about neuro-ophthalmology

There are a wide variety of neuro-ophthalmic conditions, including:

• Abnormal eye movements (ophthalmoparesis or nystagmus)
• Double vision
• Intracranial lesions affecting the visual pathway
• Ischemic optic neuropathy
• Migraine and related visual complaints
• Optic disc swelling
• Optic neuritis and other optic nerve problems
• Pupillary abnormalities
• Unexplained vision loss
• Visual field defects

Abnormal eye movements (ophthalmoparesis or nystagmus) — Ophthalmoplegia is a paralysis or weakness of one or more of the muscles that control eye movement. Nystagmus is a vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements.

Double vision – Called diplopia, double vision can result from a range of underlying conditions. Diplopia can affect just one eye or both.

Intracranial lesions affecting the visual pathway

Ischemic optic neuropathy – A condition where blood does not flow properly to your eye's optic nerve, eventually causing lasting damage to this nerve.

Migraine and related visual complaints

Optic disc swelling (Papilledema or papilloedema) – A condition caused by increased intracranial pressure due to any cause.

Optic neuritis – An inflammation that damages the optic nerve, a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information from your eye to your brain

Pupillary abnormalities – Including dilation of the pupil or constriction of the pupil, among other conditions.

Unexplained vision loss

Visual field defects

Our ophthalmology specialists conduct comprehensive evaluations and diagnoses of neurological and systemic diseases that affect the eyes. Especially for patients with poorly defined visual symptoms or conditions that remain unresolved despite previous ophthalmic and neurologic evaluations, our ophthalmologists can often help diagnose, and then treat, the problem.

Our ophthalmologists routinely work collaboratively with specialists across multiple disciplines to provide comprehensive, individualized neuro-ophthalmic care. For example, we work closely with Endocrinology, Neurology, Neuroradiology, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Otorhinolaryngology, Radiation Oncology, Stroke Care Specialists, among others.

Because neuro-ophthalmology is a subspecialty of both neurology and ophthalmology, preparing for your neuro-ophthalmology evaluation takes a bit of teamwork.

• Request that your treating physicians send all relevant information prior to your appointment, including office notes, results of laboratory tests and reports of CT and MRI scans.
• If you have had a CT or MRI scan performed, arrange to pick up the actual CD of the study and bring them with you to your appointment, or have the facility mail them in advance.
• You will probably have your pupils dilated during the visit. The eye drops last about 4 hours and will make things look bright and blurry up close. Have someone else drive you to the appointment and bring your sunglasses.
• In order for the physician to get a good look at your eyelids and to avoid ruining your appearance when the eye drops are administered, do not wear eye makeup.
• Bring a complete list of medications with you, including the name and dosage of prescription and over-the-counter medications.